Betrayal in Black (A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Book 4) by Mark M. Bello

Author:Mark M. Bello [Bello, Mark M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 8Grand Publications
Published: 2019-12-13T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Three weeks later, Blake walks into his conference room for the deposition of Lieutenant Douglas Kelly.

For the purpose of the hearing, Ven Jackson represents the Cedar Ridge Police Association and Kelly. Steven Adler is the attorney of record for all other defendants in the case. Adler’s a no-show. His silk-stocking law firm sends a rookie, Kyle Murray, in his place.

Not important enough? Blake wonders. He’s pissed at Adler’s no-show. The two men have locked horns on numerous occasions, and Blake was successful each time. Zack’s quite confident about the Hayes case and is looking forward to laying another ass-kicking on Adler and his firm. Kelly’s deposition is the first of many in the case. One deposition, especially of a deponent who has written a detailed report, is not critically important.

Murray is all decked out in a three-piece suit and carries a handsome leather briefcase, which he opens upon his arrival. He removes a Mont Blanc pen and three legal pads and stands when Blake enters the room.

The rookie is shocked to see Blake arrive wearing blue jeans and a sport shirt. Blake ignores the young man, greets Kelly, and then turns to Jackson. The two men shake hands and then chat a bit. Finally, he addresses Murray,

“First deposition?” Blake smirks.

“Is it that obvious? Murray squirms.

“Well, it’s not a video or court appearance. Most of us dress down, when possible.”

“I prefer to dress this way, and my firm requires it,” Murray rebuts. He won’t let the hotshot plaintiff lawyer intimidate him.

“You prefer it, or the firm requires it, which is it?”

The rookie opens his mouth and closes it again. He decides not to respond.

“No skin off my nose,” Blake scoffs, dismissing the rookie. The kid’s rattled. Mission accomplished. Blake turns to the court reporter.

“All set, Merrill?”

“Ready when you are, Zack,” advises Merrill Bass, one of Blake’s favorite, long-time reporters. Blake begins the interrogation.

“Let the record reflect this is the date and time set for the deposition of Lieutenant Douglas Kelly, taken pursuant to a subpoena to be used for any and all purposes contemplated by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Michigan Court Rules.

“Present today are attorneys Ven Jackson, representing the witness and the Cedar Ridge Police Association, and Kyle Murray, representing the remaining defendants.

“Lieutenant Kelly, my name is Zachary Blake. I represent the Estate of Marcus Hayes in a lawsuit filed against Officer Randy Jones, the City of Cedar Ridge, and the Cedar Ridge Police Department. I’m going to ask you a few questions. I need you to respond verbally.

“Our court reporter is the fabulous Merrill Bass. She is going to transcribe everything you say. She cannot transcribe a positive or negative head nod or a shoulder shrug. ‘Uh-huh’ and ‘unh unh’ are also difficult to transcribe, so if the question calls for a ‘yes’ or a ‘no,’ please answer accordingly. If I ask a question and you answer it, I will presume you understood the question. If you don’t understand a question, please say so and I’ll rephrase it.

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